Executive Director

Autumn brings more than a decade of executive leadership experience building strong organizations, leading cross-functional teams, and strengthening operations across government and nonprofit sectors. Prior to joining Darlington County Humane Society, she served as Director of the Enterprise Project Management Office for the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, where she led enterprise-wide initiatives focused on accountability, service delivery, and long-term sustainability.

Known for bringing clarity, structure, and momentum to growing organizations, Autumn has led large-scale operational improvements, managed complex budgets and initiatives, and supported boards and executive leadership in mission-driven environments. She holds a Master of Science in Management and Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership.

Animal welfare is deeply personal for Autumn. She and her wife share their home with three dogs and six cats, and that lived experience fuels her commitment to protecting and advocating for animals in need.

Director of Fundraising & Marketing

Haley Gates serves as the Director of Fundraising and Marketing for the Darlington County Humane Society, where she leads the creative vision, community engagement, and donor outreach that support the shelter’s lifesaving work. She oversees major fundraising events, adoption campaigns, sponsorship development, and all marketing efforts, ensuring the heart of the shelter is reflected in every story shared and every initiative launched.

Haley’s passion for animal welfare shines through her work. She is dedicated to creating meaningful connections, whether that’s inspiring donors, collaborating with local businesses, or crafting campaigns that help animals find loving homes. Her attention to detail, creativity, and strong community partnerships have strengthened the shelter’s impact throughout Darlington County and beyond.

When she’s not at the shelter, Haley enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs, tending to her flower garden and finding new ways to bring joy and connection to her community.

Shelter Manager

As Shelter Manager at the Darlington County Humane Society, Torie oversees the daily operations of the shelter to ensure a safe, compassionate, and efficient environment for both animals and staff. The role includes coordinating hiring and onboarding, maintaining clear communication across teams, managing documentation and incident reporting, and supporting staff appreciation efforts that help foster a positive workplace culture.

Torie also works closely with volunteers and staff to ensure the shelter remains a welcoming, organized space that reflects the organization’s commitment to animal welfare and community service.

A lifelong animal lover, Torie is grateful to be part of work that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and the people who care about them. Outside of the shelter, Torie enjoys spending time outdoors and making memories with family.

Manager of Medical Services

Kathy Rock is our Manager of Medical Services and has been an essential part of our team for over a year. With more than three decades of experience in the health industry, first caring for people and later transitioning into animal care. Kathy brings an unmatched level of skill, compassion, and dedication to her work. Her kindness shines through in everything she does, from daily medical treatments to comforting the animals who need it most.

On her days off, you can usually find her spending time with friends and family or at home with her own personal menagerie. Kathy’s deep love for animals, and her unwavering hope that each one will find a better life, is what inspires her every single day.

Adoption, Rescue & Foster Coordinator

As Adoptions Coordinator, Danielle manages adoption inquiries, guides meet-and-greets, and helps ensure that every foster and adopter has the information and support they need to welcome a new pet into their home. The role focuses on creating thoughtful matches between families and animals while helping pets transition successfully into their new lives.

One of the most rewarding parts of the work is seeing animals leave the shelter for loving homes and new beginnings. Danielle also enjoys spending one-on-one time with the shelter pets, whether that’s taking a favorite dog out for a lunchtime walk or playing a quick game of tug-of-war.

Outside of the shelter, Danielle enjoys hiking with Squishy, a proud DCHS alum, and relaxing at home with her cats.

Office Assistant

Jayson is a proud Hartsville native and serves as the Office Assistant at the Darlington County Humane Society. In this role, she is often the first point of contact for community members who reach out to support the animals in the shelter’s care. She helps schedule appointments, assist visitors, and maintain detailed records for every animal who comes through the shelter.

Jayson enjoys being part of the daily care and success stories at the shelter. One of her favorite parts of the job, aside from occasionally sneaking treats to the cats and dogs, is seeing pets leave happier than when they arrived and head off to loving homes.

At home, Jayson has quite the crew of her own, including three dogs, three cats, and a flock of chickens and ducks. In her free time, she enjoys reading, thrifting, and trying new restaurants around the area.

Business Office Clerk

Alex serves as the Business Office Clerk at the Darlington County Humane Society, where her attention to detail and strong organizational skills help keep daily operations running smoothly. From managing paperwork to supporting staff behind the scenes, she plays an essential role in ensuring the shelter runs efficiently and the animals receive the care they deserve.

A devoted pet mom to one dog and two cats, Alex brings her love for animals into her work every day. Outside the shelter, she enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, who is her greatest joy. Alex’s compassion, reliability, and dedication make her a valued member of the DCHS team.

Vet Tech

Taylor has been a valued member of our team for three and a half years and brings genuine care and enthusiasm to everything she does. She loves working hands-on with both dogs and cats and is passionate about making sure each animal feels safe, loved, and well cared for during their time with us. Her calm presence and attention to detail make her a trusted and dependable part of our daily operations.

Taylor’s love for animals extends beyond work — she has three cats of her own and understands firsthand the joy and responsibility that comes with caring for pets. That personal connection shows in the compassion she brings to every animal she works with.

Outside of the shelter, Taylor enjoys thrifting and collecting unique vintage finds, always appreciating pieces with character and history. She also has a deep love for music and enjoys collecting vinyl records in her free time. Her creativity, dedication, and heart for animals make her an important part of our team, and we’re grateful for the care she brings to our mission every day.